March 17, 2009

A Shopaholic's Journal -The Anti-Floral

You know by now that I have a thing for girly frocks. I love a great spring bouquet of a dress and gravitate to bold florals as easily as a cutesy liberty print. I typically get my flowery fix from some of the best vintage stores in the city, as each has a garden full to choose from. I was just about to start my quest for my spring must-buy blooms, when I discovered the anti-floral...my newest obsession. If you are thinking an anti-floral is simply a solid, well think again. It is actually quite floral in nature...a print, yes; brightly colored, yes; sensual shapes, yes; feminine, yes! That is where the similarity ends however. What I am speaking about is this season's crop of fabulous painterly prints...artistic, bold, lovely and quite powerful.

I am pretty much dying for the McQ versions. I am featuring two as I just can't decide which I love
more. The first is his graphic, lively Radial Print...it is simply bursting with color. I also love the kimono style...in or out, I am still a sucker for a wing-like sleeve. This is a statement dress for sure and puts every little flower to shame. The second is his kaleidescope-esque Graphic Print. This would be my cocktail go-to for sure this season...sexy, sophisticated and quite elegant!!! Both retail in the mid-$400 range.

I am madly in love with Hayden-Harnett in general and their Helena Wrap Painterly Print dress fills my world with color. A cool girl update to the classic DVF wrap, it is oh-so sweet, yet oh-so bad. There is just something about the combo of the 3-tiered layered skirt and the strong brush strokes that is playful and also seductive...the perfect spring mix. Here is the best part, it is only around $300...not too bad for something so fab.

Another quintessential fav in the girly-girl category is always Rachel Comey of late and this season she
delivers some of the best non-florals. Her Popcorn dress is actually quite plant-like though in a completely abstract way. I adore the tulip-shaped skirt and the fern-like brush strokes that form the print. Again only the truly hip need buy, as you need to have the quirky downtown girl confidence to really do this pretty frock justice. Sadly, it doesn't really have a downtown girl price tag, at just under $600, it is a splurge (though well worth it).

I still love the one-shoulder thing and I found the perfect version from Single. Their Painterly 70's Dress is the must-have modern Boho dress. Swirls of paint create a garden-esque illusion and the subtly jeweled belt provides just a touch of extravagant bling. Single is a great line for any recessionista...this dress is under $300 so if you want to go back to your finger-painting days, it is absolutely for you.

Last but not least, I just love this Brushstroke Print Dress from Robert Rodriguez. I
am crazy about the pink, black, white graphic mix and the soft gathered neckline. Sort of Basquiat-esque with graffiti-like movement, it evokes strength. At the same time the color palette is strangely soft and feminine...it is the best of this season's power girly trend. At $430 it is affordable, wearable art!!

All of these dresses call for this season's tough girl shoes, so don't be shy when accessorizing. These are statement dresses that demand to be seen!! I want to leave you with one final thought to move you to go anti-floral..."One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art." ~Oscar Wilde. Those are words to live by!!!!!